While Phil Parkinson kept the core of his starting XI in place from last season, there were a raft of departures from the fringes of the squad.
Some were very much expected, but there were also a number of deals that caused debate.
Dependable goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin moved on, while the departures of talented pair Ethan Robson and Bali Mumba proved divisive.
Here’s Sunderland’s departed players are faring at their new destinations thus far….
1. JON McLAUGHLIN - RANGERS
McLaughlin is a reserved character but one who also backs himself to the hilt.
There were some eyebrows raised when he opted to move to Rangers, where Allan McGregor has been the long-term number one. An injury quickly presented McLaughlin with an opportunity and he has grabbed it with both hands, even though a record of six consecutive clean sheets was broken by Jack Ross' Hibernian in a 2-2 draw last weekend.
McGregor will push hard to win his place back but the move has worked well so far and Sunderland fans are left hoping that his quality will not be missed too greatly over the course of the campaign. Photo: Frank Reid
2. JACK BALDWIN - BRISTOL ROVERS
Baldwin faces a fight to get into the starting XI at Bristol Rovers.
The defender did start the Carabao Cup curtain raiser, but did not feature against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light following a 3-0 defeat to Ipswich Town. Interestingly, Baldwin did play in the EFL Trophy days later, but was selected in central midfield.
It was a role he played at Salford City at times during his loan spell there last season. Photo: FRANK REID
3. JOEL LYNCH
The centre-back has had a trial with Charlton Athletic, but Lee Bowyer has been severely limited in what he can offer players under the terms of an EFL embargo.
Speaking to Planet Football, Lynch outlined the challenge in being a free agent this summer: "It’s so tough. Normally, offers have been coming in while I’m still under contract.
"This year, clubs aren’t making firm offers to anyone, they’re asking you to come in and train so they can assess you against their budget, sell players and get them out before they bring people in. It’s so much stricter.
“In my position, I know clubs have their transfer targets and budgets, but they’re likely looking for younger players on smaller contracts, rather than an experienced player like myself with Championship and international experience.
"League One and Two are just really tough because even if someone was asking for £1,000-a-week, they just won’t do that." Photo: FRANK REID 2020
4. DUNCAN WATMORE
Watmore has said he is open to a move abroad and is yet to decide on his next move after his long association with the Black Cats came to an end earlier this summer.
The 26-year-old has made good use of his time, completing a Master's degree. Photo: FRANK REID 2019